Why massage is necessary for football players no less than training

Pauses in the football season do not last that long, so it is very important for football players to take care of their condition. This means they need to stay in shape during the off-season, not only by stretching and getting enough rest, but also by getting regular massages. Below, we will analyse how regular massage can give a football player an advantage on the field.

Athletes need massage before training, after it, and even during rest. A massage parlour and Moroccan bath are simply necessary to visit, since, for an hour and a half of the game, all the muscles and ligaments of the football player are in tension, and the player himself is as focused as possible. The suspended state of people on the field without proper unloading can lead to serious physical and psychological injuries. It is for this reason that athletes visit the massage centre and beauty spa. After all, a luxury massage allows not only to relax, but also to return the muscles to a comfortable state.

What gives massages to football players?

In short, massage benefits footballers by increasing flexibility, reducing the likelihood of injury, and reducing recovery time. This is achieved by eliminating small muscle damage after exercise. Sometimes this damage can cause swelling, so post-workout massage can reduce it and also help oxygenate the muscles, which reduces recovery time. Therapists also focus on getting rid of waste products in the muscles, such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide, which also contribute to their recovery. Massage also helps increase flexibility in the joints and ligaments and increases range of motion.





Overvoltage is a complex process, based on which there are foci of overvoltage and overexcitation in the cerebral cortex, and as a result, this affects the nervous system. Massage, in this case, plays a very important role, because it is directly associated with skin receptors that transmit signals to the cerebral cortex. Therefore, massage relaxes the nervous system, reduces tension in tired muscles, and removes accumulated decay products. During active training, the need of muscle cells for oxygen and nutrients increases, and the decay products do not have time to be completely removed. Massage improves blood circulation in small capillaries, and helps regulate these two processes.

An experienced massage therapist who practises a variety of types of massage will use different techniques before and after training. Before training, massage techniques are mainly used to increase the tone and elasticity of muscles and ligaments. Rubbing and vibration techniques play an important role. Well, after training, on the contrary, you reduce muscle tone and cope with pain. The kneading is done gently and deeply.

Massage is the procedure during which endorphins are produced, which are natural pain suppressors. And this is just what is needed for tired muscles from heavy loads.

What type of massage is usually given to football players?

One of the most popular treatments is sports massage. This type of massage is usually very deep and affects all the major muscles involved in football. It provides the best results when done before and after a sports session, as it improves performance and helps prevent injury during training or a match, as well as promoting recovery and regeneration after a competition. Recovery occurs due to the removal of lactic acid formed in the muscles. This type of massage can be called local, since the massage therapist concentrates on a specific problem area (biceps, shoulders, etc.).

Sports massage is also used in the event of an injury to a football player as a means of rehabilitation to help the body regain full functionality and physical condition.

Other benefits of sports massage include increased blood flow and metabolism of important nutrients, faster removal of muscle metabolic products (lactic acid), improved joint flexibility, tissue elasticity, posture, muscle response to movement, and relaxation.

There is a statement that the athlete is massaged only in the muscle group that has the greatest load. But it is not so. The emphasis is really on them, but when rubbed, all muscles are affected. Of course, the massage technique for a football player and a boxer will differ in the distribution of the massage load on certain muscle groups and the dosage of massage techniques. But it is still not worth it to strictly separate these types of massages.

In conclusion, massage plays a huge role in a footballer's career. Thus, maximum muscle recovery and relaxation are achieved. If a football player does not neglect massage, then he can significantly reduce the recovery time after intense training and prepare for the competition!